Susan B. Long, co-director of TRAC, said the prominence of immigration on the list of the most
often prosecuted crimes reflects a dramatic change in enforcement over the last several years.
"It shows the priorities of the federal government right now," Long said. "There's been a huge
policy shift, and a definite decision to criminally go after people [for immigration offenses]. More
resources have been devoted to immigration enforcement."
"The FBI used to be the top agency that referred cases," Long said, "but no more."